Pet Sitter Safety Month is observed in May. The holiday started through the efforts of Pet Sitters International (P.S.I.) in 2017 to promote safe practices for modern-day professional pet sitters and dog walkers. P.S.I. is the largest pet sitter educational association with 4,000 registered pet-sitting businesses worldwide. It has helped transform the world of pet sitting, from publishing the first magazine for professional pet sitters to hosting the industry’s first international conference. Throughout May, the P.S.I. shares several safety-related topics on its blog and social media accounts. Proficient pet sitters also share their experiences on social media.
History of Pet Sitter Safety Month
Unlike the National Pet Sitters Week that began in 1995, Pet Sitter Safety Month was only initiated some years ago in 2017 by Pet Sitters International (P.S.I.). The holiday is celebrated throughout May and urges pet sitters to ensure safety by examining PSI’s safety tips to keep themselves and their pets healthy.
It is essential to know that, without pet sitting, there would not be any pet sitters’ holiday. Pet sitting as a profession started when Patti J. Moran began her own pet-sitting business in North Carolina, in 1983. Back then, society did not recognize pet sitting as a profession, and people did not choose it as a career path. Word of Moran’s business venture soon spread to other parts of the country. With a newfound audience, Moran published her book, “Pet Sitting for Profit,” in 1987. And, in a few years, several others had taken up the pet-sitting trade. By 1989, Moran had formed the National Association of Pet Sitters and in 1994, she founded Pet Sitters International with members from across the world — all professional pet sitters and dog walkers.
Today, there are several pet-sitting businesses in the U.S., Canada, and over 15 other countries. With the blossoming industry comes the need for proper education, resources and safety measures, further emphasizing the need for the annual campaign. This is why we have Pet Sitter Safety Month.
Pet Sitter Safety Month timeline
Moran starts a professional pet-sitting business in North Carolina.
Moran forms the National Association of Pet Sitters.
Moran establishes Pet Sitters International.
Pet Sitters International designates May as Pet Sitter Safety Month.
Pet Sitter Safety Month FAQs
What questions do you ask a pet sitter?
Ask questions like how do they manage behavioral problems, what is their training philosophy, how much do they know about pet health and pet behavior, and what types of animals have they worked with in the past?
What makes a great pet sitter?
A caring pet sitter with good references, and who loves animals, will bring a pet owner peace of mind.
How do you trust a pet sitter?
References are important but, also, you should always trust your gut.
How to Observe Pet Sitter Safety Month
Promote it on social media
Promote the holiday on social media. A social media post can greatly influence others. Get friends to join in the celebration by tagging them in the post.
Acquire some P.S.I. safety education
P.S.I. safety education is not just for pet sitters, it is also for pet owners. Take time out during the month to learn all you can about pets and pet owners’ safety.
Show appreciation to your pet sitter
Ensure you pay your pet sitter well for their services. A simple "thank you" will show you appreciate them and value their assistance.
5 Interesting Facts About Pet Sitter Safety Month
Patti Moran founded P.S.I.
Patti J. Moran founded Pet Sitters International.
Over 4,000 P.S.I. members
Pet Sitters International has over 4,000 members in different parts of the world.
Women own 84.6%
84.6% of P.S.I. businesses are owned solely by women.
20 million pet-sitting visits
Pet Sitting International members performed 20 million pet-sitting assignments in 2019 alone.
Pet sitting is mentioned in the dictionary
Pet sitting was added to the Random House Dictionary in 1997.
Why Pet Sitter Safety Month is Important
Free safety tips
We can get free safety tips during the holiday. Pet sitters share their experiences on social media, giving us much knowledge.
Training available for pet sitters
During the Pet Sitter Safety Month, the P.S.I. makes online safety courses available, and at discounted prices. Take full advantage now.
It ensures the safety of our pets
The holiday advocates for the safety of pet sitters as well as pets. This goes a long way to ensure our pets are in good care.
Pet Sitter Safety Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
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